Magic circle giant to cut 19 Manchester paralegal roles in latest redundancy round
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is set to cut paralegal roles at its Manchester base, marking the latest round of job losses among the Magic Circle elite. Up to 19 paralegal positions are expected to go, according to the firm, as part of a restructuring process announced on 15 September 2025.
The decision comes just over ten years after Freshfields launched its support hub in Manchester, a move that initially created hundreds of jobs outside the City of London. The opening was heralded at the time as a strategic shift designed to modernise the firm’s operations, improve efficiency, and create new opportunities in the North West.
Now, with economic pressures and shifts in client demands reshaping the legal sector, the Manchester office faces contraction. While the firm has not disclosed the precise reasons behind the redundancies, industry commentators point to wider market headwinds. Rising costs, technological change, and heightened competition have all led to firms rethinking their staffing models.
Freshfields confirmed the redundancies in a statement, stressing that the process will be managed with consultation and support for those affected. “This was not an easy decision,” a spokesperson said. “We remain committed to Manchester and to our people, but unfortunately reductions are necessary to align resources with current needs.”
Embed from Getty ImagesThe move underscores a trend rippling across global law firms in 2025. Several major practices have already trimmed headcount this year, with paralegal and support roles often bearing the brunt of cost-cutting measures. Automation of routine tasks, combined with more selective client spending, has put additional strain on back-office teams.
For Manchester, the cuts are a stark contrast to the optimism that greeted Freshfields’ arrival. Since its 2015 launch, the office has grown into a significant part of the firm’s infrastructure, handling legal services support, technology, and document review for matters across the globe. While hundreds remain employed at the hub, the looming redundancies signal a tightening of focus.
Employment specialists note that while paralegals form an essential part of the delivery model, they are also among the most vulnerable when firms prioritise restructuring. “It’s a tough blow,” one legal recruiter said. “Manchester has been a success story for Freshfields, but these redundancies show that even the most established support centres are not immune from global pressures.”
For the individuals affected, the immediate concern will be securing alternative opportunities in what remains a competitive legal market. Manchester’s legal scene has expanded considerably in the past decade, with other major firms and alternative legal service providers establishing presences in the city. However, competition for roles is fierce, particularly in specialised paralegal work.
Freshfields has not indicated whether further redundancies could follow, but the announcement is certain to be watched closely by other Magic Circle and international firms that have invested heavily in regional hubs. The decision also raises questions about how far automation and outsourcing will reshape the landscape for junior and support-level legal staff in years to come.
Despite the setback, Freshfields continues to emphasise its long-term commitment to the Manchester office. The firm maintains that the city remains central to its innovation and efficiency strategy. Yet for the 19 paralegals facing redundancy, the immediate reality is far less reassuring: careers disrupted and futures uncertain.
As the legal sector adapts to new economic and technological realities, Freshfields’ move may well serve as a sign of what is to come across the profession. The paralegal ranks, once seen as a growth area, are now at the frontline of cost-driven restructuring.